After four long years, Jofra Archer in Test cricket is no longer just a dream—it’s happening. The express pacer has officially been added to England’s squad for the England vs India 2nd Test, and fans are buzzing. While there’s still no confirmation if he’ll be in the playing XI at Edgbaston, all signs point to a roaring comeback. And with Archer in the mix, England’s pace attack suddenly looks a whole lot spicier.
Contents
Why Has Archer Been Missing for So Long？
Let’s rewind. The last time Jofra Archer in Test action happened was back in early 2021 during England’s tour of India. Since then, the 30-year-old has been battling recurring elbow and back injuries that kept him out of red-ball cricket for nearly four years. While he did have sporadic appearances in T20 leagues, his fitness just wasn’t holding up for the longer format until now.
Jofra Archer is 𝑩𝑨𝑪𝑲 🔥
Our squad to take on India in the second Test has just dropped 📋👇
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 26, 2025
His recent outing for Sussex against Durham, where he bowled 18 overs and took 1 wicket, was enough to convince the England selectors he’s ready. Still, the question on everyone’s mind remains: when will Jofra Archer be back? Not just on the team sheet, but in top form?
Who Might Make Way? Analysing England’s Seam Options
Now that Jofra Archer in Test cricket is back on the cards, England have a good problem: too many seamers, not enough slots. With the England vs India 2nd Test just days away, selectors and fans alike are wondering: who makes way to let Archer loose? Let’s break this down like a selector would—stats, form, and team balance.
Current Seam Trio：Who Did What in Headingley?
| Player | Innings | Wickets |
| Josh Tongue | 2 | 7 |
| Brydon Carse | 2 | 4 |
| Chris Woakes | 2 | 1 |
Josh Tongue：Great Stats, But Context Matters
Now here’s the tricky one. Josh Tongue took seven wickets—on paper, he was the best bowler in Headingley. But look deeper, and the picture shifts. Out of his seven wickets:
- Six came from India’s lower-middle order and tail (think Jadeja and down)
- Only one top-order scalp: Rishabh Pant in the first innings
Even Ben Stokes made a point of this in the post-match presser—great numbers, but when it came to key breakthroughs, Carse did more heavy lifting. Also, Tongue’s economy was slightly higher (4.16), and he doesn’t offer anything with the bat. Verdict: Most likely to make way if Archer plays.
Brydon Carse：The Strike Weapon for India’s Top Order
Carse did the dirty work in Headingley. His four wickets weren’t just numbers on a scorecard—he got India’s top four batters out across both innings, including:
- KL Rahul (twice)
- Shubman Gill
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
What makes this special? Carse didn’t just clean up the tail. He went after the engine room of India’s batting. Plus, he’s been consistently good across England’s recent red-ball tours. He’s got zip, bounce, and has shown he can target India’s best.
Chris Woakes：The Utility Man You Can’t Easily Drop
Woakes didn’t shine with the ball in the first Test—his 0/103 in the first innings was painful to watch. But there’s more to his game than just bowling. He’s the glue guy: can hold a line with the ball, swing it when needed, and most importantly, shore up England’s lower-order batting.
Well, they don’t call him The Wizard for nothing 🧙🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/aboUzX0HgM
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 22, 2025
Against India, that 38-run knock was gold—England were tottering, and Woakes helped them get past 250. In tight Tests, that’s often the difference. Also, it’s worth noting his home ground is Edgbaston. His Test average with the ball there? Around 22.6, with 45 wickets in 11 matches. You don’t drop your Edgbaston wizard unless you really have to.
Team Balance：What England Will Be Thinking
England have always liked to keep a batting-heavy lower order. That means Woakes stays. They also know India’s top three batters can run away with the game—Carse has proven he can stop that. Here’s how the likely pecking order looks:
| Player | Likelihood to Play | Reason |
| Josh Tongue | Lower | Tail-focused bowling + no batting |
| Brydon Carse | High | Wickets against top order |
| Chris Woakes | Very High | Batting depth + Edgbaston record |
The biggest twist? Tongue isn’t just any backup bowler. He’s 27, in form, and confident. Dropping a bowler who just took seven wickets is risky, it could affect morale. But this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about balance, roles, and winning series. The return of Jofra Archer in Test cricket may push out a bowler with better stats, just because Archer brings more threat.
When Is Jofra Archer in Test Last Time？
In case you forgot (or blocked it from memory), Jofra Archer in Test cricket last happened in February 2021, during the third match of England’s tour of India. It was a pink-ball match in Ahmedabad, and things didn’t go too well. England folded for 112 and 81. Archer bowled only five overs, took one wicket, and conceded 24 runs.
🎯 First of many @JofraArcher! 🖐
Full highlights: https://t.co/3sNkgGFCol#Ashes pic.twitter.com/C01p9OwoAD
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 22, 2019
His batting? A duck. That entire series was a nightmare for England, and Archer’s contribution was limited—largely due to both poor team performance and his own physical struggles. Since then, the question ” when will Jofra Archer be back?” became one of English cricket’s biggest unanswered puzzles.
What’s Nasser Hussain Saying About the Comeback？
Former England captain Nasser Hussain isn’t fully sold on the timing of this return. He’s worried that bringing Archer back for the England vs India 2nd Test might be premature. “I think it’s too much of a risk this week,” Hussain told Sky Sports. “Why not wait another week? He’s only bowled 18 overs in County.”
He’s got a point—four years away from Test cricket is a long time, and one solid domestic performance might not be enough to throw someone straight into a high-stakes series. Still, even Hussain admits: Jofra Archer in Test cricket is a “gamble worth taking” just maybe not right now.
Conclusion
With England leading 1-0 in the five-match series and the England vs India 2nd Test around the corner (starting July 2 at Edgbaston), the inclusion of Archer could be a game-changer. Even if he’s not 100%, having someone who bowls at 150 km/h breathing fire is a psychological win. And while it might be a risk, it’s one England might be very glad they took.
England squad for the 2nd Test at Edgbaston is out and guess who’s back?
Jofra Archer returns to the Test squad for the first time in 4 years! #ENGvsIND 👉🏻 2nd TEST | WED, 2nd JULY, 2.30 PM on JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/bmd6j3MujS
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 26, 2025
England’s squad has been expanded to 15, with no one officially dropped yet. But let’s not kid ourselves—if Jofra Archer in Test form is even 80% of what it was in 2019, he’s playing. And fans? They’re just happy to finally stop asking “when will Jofra Archer be back” and start asking “how many wickets will he take?” Get ready, India. The 150 km/h storm could be about to hit.
Related Match：ENG vs IND 2025 2nd Test of the India tour of England series on 07/02 at 03:30 PM IST
